Paul Pogba has praised former teammate Michael Carrick for bringing fresh energy to Manchester United players this season. Speaking exclusively to ESPN, Pogba said the squad felt transformed under Carrick's guidance, describing how they gained 'another air' and renewed motivation that helped restore the club's competitive edge.

Carrick assumed interim control at Old Trafford in January following Ruben Amorim's departure, subsequently earning a permanent contract after steering United to a third-place Premier League finish. Pogba's assessment carries weight given his 150-plus appearances across two spells with the club, overlapping with Carrick's final playing days before transitioning into coaching.

Pogba's own career has faced challenges since returning from a doping suspension in November, making just six Ligue 1 appearances for Monaco while managing persistent injury issues. His last France cap came in 2022, ending a decorated international career that peaked with the 2018 World Cup triumph.

Despite France's near-miss in Qatar, Pogba believes they remain World Cup favorites heading into 2026, though he acknowledges that talent alone cannot guarantee success. His comments underscore the pressure facing Europe's elite clubs when they return to Champions League competition.